Democracy in danger

On April 6, Pointe Claire city council adopted an amendment to bylaw PC-2712 regarding the conduct of Council meetings. This amendment drastically limits the right of free speech of individuals and groups raising issues during question period at Council meetings. At the whim of the mayor, anyone breaking the bylaw is now liable to a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000 for a first offence and from $500 to $2000 for a second. Will "guilty parties" who refuse to pay up be allowed to choose between jail and community service? In which case, volunteerism could skyrocket!

Getting people to take an interest in municipal politics is no easy task, as evidenced by the low participation rate in municipal elections. People feel ignored by their elected officials. Very few see the point in getting involved because they know their views and opinions won't count. They have the impression that once officials are in power they sell their souls to the devil. Yet the mayor and city councillors are elected to serve the interests of the people, something they seem to have forgotten.

By taking this tack against its citizens, seeking to intimidate them and limit free speech and democracy, the city is showing them contempt. Does Pointe Claire have something to hide or does it think it can do no wrong? This is only the tip of the iceberg, Pointe Claire seems to have little or no use for its citizens, even those with expertise to offer, while other municipalities take a more consensual approach and hold public consultations even on municipal budgets.

Pointe Claire city council passed this bylaw unanimously. It is a veritable abuse of power; it infringes the right of free speech and constitutes an immoral attack on the very essence of democracy. Things have to change in Pointe-Claire.